Based on the famous ancient Chinese opera Peony Pavilion, this project retells the story from a feminist lens, unpacking the dual identity of the designer as a cultural inheritor and cultural leader. Its retelling also touches upon the feminist pursuit of freedom of identity and desire, as well as the struggle against the subjugation of young women in a utilitarian and male chauvinistic society.
In the play, the heroine reaches the peak of her beauty in youth while dreaming, and is immediately pulled back
to reality, feeling great emotion. Her youth had withered and reincarnated, just as her garden had withered and reincarnated. Finally, she decides to pursue her youth in reality, instead of her dreams.
Such narration retains its significance in modern society, because such restrictions are still imposed upon young women today.
The output of the project is an adapted story based on the original, highlighting the perspective of women. Aesthetically, it combines Chinese classical printmaking styles with modern graphics. The new story is made into a picture book and a paper based activity for young Chinese women with relevant cultural backgrounds, so that they can feel the beauty of women's youth from the heroine's story and be encouraged by her spirit.
